Orwell-Danube East Tailings Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Orwell-Danube East Tailings Basin in Itasca, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1954 by USS, with a primary purpose of storing tailings.


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Summary

This 40-foot high dam spans 2000 feet and has a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. Located near the Prairie River, this structure is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Orwell-Danube East Tailings Basin poses a moderate risk due to its age and condition, which is currently not rated. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is equipped with uncontrolled spillways to manage excess water flow. Emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, are not currently in place, raising some concerns about the management of potential risks associated with the facility. Overall, this structure serves as a critical component of the local mining operations and the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term stability and safety.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

PRAIRIE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

147

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.